Numerical data must be analyzed in order to be useful in drawing conclusions based on that data. When dealing with large amounts of numerical data, spreadsheet software is quite useful. Spreadsheets are able to perform complex calculations and can produce graphical representations of data which make comparisons of data clearer and trends easier to spot.

Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet program utilized by Worldwide Weather Consultants. While any other spreadsheet program may be utilized, this tutorial is based on Excel.

Opening Excel

Excel may be opened in one of two ways depending on whether a short-cut is installed on the computer desktop.

• Desktop Shortcut Method

  • Look for the Excel Icon on the computer desktop. Move cursor to icon and double-click to open program.

• Start-up Menu Method

  • Screencast Demonstration
    • Click on Windows Start Button in the lower left hand corner of desktop opening Start-up Menu.
    • Click on All Programs Link.
    • Look for Microsoft Office Suite Link and click on that link opening the Microsoft Office Sub-menu.
    • Click on the Microsoft Excel Link to open Excel.

Excel Interface -- Default Settings and Terminology

• Excel toolbars and default settings are very similar to those found in Word, Microsoft's Word Processing Program.
• Excel toolbars do feature icon shortcuts for basic mathematical functions and calculations as the primary function of spreadsheet software is to assist in the manipulation and communication of numerical data.

Naming Cells and Identification of the Active Cell in a Spreadsheet

• In order to be able to utilize Excel effectively, consultants must be able to name and locate specific cells on the Excel worksheet.
• The cell address or cell reference is denoted by the column letter and row number that intersect at the cell's location on the spreadsheet. Note that cell addresses always list the column letter first, (Remember that C comes before R in the alphabet, therefore, the column comes first in the cell address.)